Donnie Blatt, District 1 Director of the United Steelworkers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing contract dispute at Libby Glass in Toledo, Ohio. Blatt outlined the workers' past sacrifices to save the company, the current contract negotiations and the potential for a strike.
Blatt explained that in 2020, Libby Glass workers made significant concessions to help the company avoid bankruptcy and liquidation. He said employees gave up pay raises, accepted higher healthcare premiums, eliminated retiree healthcare and froze their defined benefit pension. These sacrifices, combined with a $45 million government grant secured by the union, saved the company approximately $76.8 million.
Now that Libby Glass is profitable again, Blatt said the company is attempting to rewrite the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Proposed changes include altering seniority rights, expanding management rights and eliminating work jurisdictions for different Local Unions within the plant. Blatt said the company's last, best and final offer was overwhelmingly rejected by workers by a vote of 302 to 5.
If an agreement isn't reached, Libby Glass workers are prepared to strike starting Saturday. Blatt emphasized that the union is fighting for hard-earned gains and rights that have nothing to do with the company's viability or production. He stated that the USW fully supports the members and is committed to winning this battle, regardless of how long it takes.
To hear more about the Libby Glass contract dispute and potential strike, listen to the full episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast.